Loew looks to end German drought

Germany coach Joachim Loew is looking forward to Euro 2012 as the country bids to win its first major trophy in 16 years.

Germany have been unable to win a major tournament since they defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 after extra time in the final of Euro 1996, and Loew is keen to follow in the footsteps of that team.

“It will be very, very difficult, but we finally want to win a big tournament again,” Loew told Bild.

“The players are all hungry for success and we are currently at a level where we can beat any opponent in the world. Not just because of our attitude, but because of the individual quality of our players.”

“I am really looking forward to the European Championship. A tournament like this costs a lot of energy, but is a huge challenge. The main challenge is to be successful through your own tactical ideas and plans.”

Germany have been paired with the Netherlands, Portugal and Denmark in the group stage of Euro 2012 and they start the tournament with a match against Portugal on June 9.